Quitting Smoking is Difficult but Not Impossible

When trying to quit smoking, support can make all the difference. Join hundreds of smokers across the country in making a plan to quit or quitting by participating in the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout (#GASO) on Thursday, November 16. This event is held each year on the third Thursday of November to encourage smokers to rally together and take the first step toward achieving a smoke-free life. By quitting, even for one day, smokers are taking an important stride toward a healthier lifestyle – one that can lead to reducing their risk of cancer and other chronic diseases, all while improving their quality of life.

The Role of Tobacco

Smoking tobacco damages almost every organ in the body and causes several diseases, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes (to name a few). In fact, tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the U.S., yet about 36.5 million Americans still smoke cigarettes. While cigarette smoking rates have dropped, other dangerous and addictive ways to smoke tobacco, such as cigars, pipes, and hookahs, are very much on the rise. For every person who dies from smoking, at least 30 people live with a serious smoking-related illness. There is no “safe” way to smoke tobacco.

Simply call 1-866-697-8487 to get started or visit our Quit Smoking site and click on Discover CDPHP Smoke-Free to complete a form to request a phone call from a quit coach. From there, you will receive one-on-one support and help with developing a quit plan from a specialized quit coach. Quit-smoking medications, such as nicotine patches, lozenges, or gum, will also be available. Additionally, you’ll have access to resources and educational materials to help you plan and stay on track.

Data shows that a combination of personalized counseling, appropriate medication, and consistent support increases your chances of successfully quitting and overcoming obstacles and cravings.

If you or a loved one is thinking about quitting or is ready to quit now, CDPHP Smoke-Free can help you achieve your goal!

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Lisa joined CDPHP in July 2016 as a population health and wellness specialist. In her role, she develops and implements programs and initiatives in partnership with employers, community partners, and providers to promote healthier lifestyles and improve health outcomes. Lisa’s professional career has always been focused on improving the health of populations through effective behavior change strategies. Over the years, she has worked on a variety of public health projects within the private, public, and non-profit sectors in Washington, DC, and Boston. She holds a Master of Public Health degree from George Washington University and a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from SUNY Albany. Since moving back to the area, Lisa has set her sights on becoming an Adirondack 46er with her husband, Ryan, and their labradoodle, Harbor.